In an extensive interview with The Brussels TimesFrancken spoke on key security issues, including the war in Ukraine, European defense and nuclear deterrence.
When asked if he feared that Russian President Vladimir Putin could launch a conventional missile attack on Brussels, the minister answered without hesitation: “No, because then it would hit the heart of NATO, and then we will raze Moscow to the ground.”
Francken expressed strong support for American leadership within NATO and affirmed confidence in Article 5 – the provision on mutual defense that is the foundation of the Alliance. When asked if he believed US President Donald Trump would respect Article 5, he replied: “Of course he would. There is a lot of prejudice in Europe against the US government. Why wouldn’t he respect Article 5?”
He pointed out, however, that he is more concerned about Russia’s use of hybrid warfare than the threat of a direct attack. “A cruise missile at Brussels? Clearly that would trigger Article 5. Putin won’t do it. I’m more inclined to consider the gray zone scenario – ‘little green men’ inciting the Russian-speaking minority in Estonia against the ‘Nazi regime’. Before you know it, they’ve annexed part of Estonia,” explained Francken.
The minister strongly rejected the idea of creating a joint European army, calling it “selling the fog”. “Anyone who believes in a European army is selling fog. Fortunately, we have NATO, which has once again proven its effectiveness with air defense in Poland and Estonia,” he said.
(Vijesti.ba)
